Published: December 4, 2025 |

[Click image to enlarge]

James Perry
[Click image to enlarge]

Heliostar Metals said James Perry has succeeded Jacques Vaillancourt as chairman. Vaillancourt has retired from the company.

“I am excited to join Heliostar at this important inflection point. The company has built a strong foundation through disciplined operations and strategic acquisitions, and I look forward to working closely with the experienced board and management team as we advance the next phase of growth,” said James Perry.

“Heliostar has the ingredients to become a leading gold producer in the Americas. I will draw on my experience to help steer the company’s disciplined growth, reinforce strong governance practices, and create lasting value for our shareholders and host communities,” added Perry.

“I once again thank our retiring chair for his long service to Heliostar. I strongly welcome James as our new chairman at a time of considerable growth,” said Charles Funk, president and CEO.

“Having worked with James previously at Newcrest Mining, I know his ambition for our company, his growth mindset and the high regard in which he is held across the industry. We are delighted to attract someone of his caliber as we continue advancing toward our goal of becoming a 500,000 ounce per year producer by the end of this decade,” added Funk.

James Perry is currently President of Sweetwater Royalties, one of the largest landowners in the United States, majority-owned by Orion Resource Partners following its acquisition of Sweetwater’s extensive land and mineral portfolio from Occidental Petroleum in 2020 for approximately $1.3 billion. Sweetwater’s vast mineral position extends across more than 4.5 million mineral acres in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Michigan, providing an expansive royalty platform spanning industrial minerals, base metals, and renewable-energy opportunities.

Perry has more than 17 years of global mining and resources experience across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, spanning business development, corporate strategy and governance, legal and permitting, ESG, and operations. He spent a decade at Newcrest Mining serving as business development manager and corporate counsel. Perry has extensive international experience managing large and complex transactions, including leading Newcrest’s entry into Ecuador and its investment in Lundin Gold’s world-class Fruta del Norte gold district. He possesses broad expertise in project evaluation and negotiation across diverse sectors and jurisdictions. He is a lawyer and holds an M.Sc. in History and International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Heliostar Metals is a gold mining company with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and the San Agustin Mine in Durango. The company also has a strong portfolio of development and exploration stage projects in Mexico and the USA.  These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur, all in Mexico and the Unga project in Alaska.

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!

CLICK HERE to register your email address.

Copyright © 2025 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)